JAYAPAL APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, applauded the passage of the improved H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act.

Over many months, Jayapal worked with Speaker Nancy Pelosi to expand the scope of the bill so millions more families could benefit from this critical legislation. Earlier this week, Jayapal and the CPC negotiated critical improvements to H.R. 3 to increase the number of drugs negotiated each year and prevent pharmaceutical price spikes for families with private health insurance plans. Jayapal and the CPC had previously secured multiple key improvements to the bill, such as replacing arbitration with direct negotiation and preventing price-gouging in launch prices.

Jayapal’s amendment would extend price spike protection to drugs covered by group health plans and insurance coverage, and determine a mechanism for individuals and the plans to receive a rebate for any money spent on drugs that have seen their price rise above the rate of inflation.

“The drug industry has gone unchecked for far too long, and Americans are hurting because of it. I’m thrilled that the final Lower Drug Costs Now Act includes my critical amendment to limit Big Pharma’s ability to spike drug prices for the over 156 million Americans covered by group health plans or insurance coverage,” said Jayapal. “I’m so proud of the work progressive members, backed by grassroots advocates and organizations, did to ensure the Lower Drug Costs Now Act will live up to its name—and provide real relief to American families. Our effort to strengthen this bill is a huge win for the American people, and it shows what progressives can do when we stick together.”

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Issues: Health Care